Nurturing PhD students: The research community in outdoor education at the University of Edinburgh
This page gives an overview of issues to consider in the PhD process and our views on creating a stimulating environment where students enjoy studying and successfully complete their degrees.
Through our experience of over 35 years, we have talked with current and former students, reviewed other programmes and practices, and taken a lot of time to understand factors that influence PhD students' experiences. We have also completed PhDs ourselves and can draw on a range eight staff who work in outdoor education and related areas—most of whom have doctoral supervision experience. In addition to the specific subject area research students study, the quality of supervision, and the institution, we have found that the learning environment has a strong influence on students learning experience. The University of Edinburgh in general and the Outdoor Education Section in particular has created a strong learning community supporting students and making their PhD experience more productive and enjoyable.
Titles of current and recently completed PhDs
Here in the school of education, not only do we have more PhD students in outdoor education than anywhere else in the world, we also have a large staff with wide-reaching interests who are keen to support PhD students towards successful completion of their research. All of our previous doctoral students have completed their studies successfully.
Throughout your PhD studies, your main points of contact will be your supervisors. You will meet with them regularly and they will assist you in getting 'up and running'—including guiding you with specific aspects of your research, your research training, setting up office-space, and introducing you to other PhD students and University staff.
In the outdoor education section we consider the PhD experience to be part of an 'apprenticeship' for a career in a leading academic or professional position in the sector. In order to add to your portfolio for such a career we work with you to develop four main areas:
If you are interested in applying for a PhD please read through the FAQ and our page on funding a PhD.
For more information and to begin applying for the PhD programme please email Dr. Pete Allison. Visit the staff page for information on current students and their studies.
The programmes most notable success, in my view, is its creation of a learning community between staff and students... External Examiner Prof. John Smyth OBE, 2004
